The family of Abisay Cruz is questioning the utilization of a contentious restraining technique by Montreal police in the incident leading to his death. They are seeking answers following a coroner’s report that did not clarify why officers employed a method not endorsed by the police service. Abisay’s brother, Josué Cruz, expressed concern over the use of force and the handling of his brother’s situation, emphasizing the need for a different approach given Abisay’s crisis.
Abisay, a father and the second youngest among five siblings, passed away on March 30, 2025, after a police intervention in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighborhood. The family witnessed the events that transpired, including Abisay being restrained, handcuffed, and subdued, which left them devastated.
The coroner’s report, released recently, categorized Abisay’s death as accidental, with the hogtie technique used during his restraint considered a potential contributing factor. This method involves binding an individual’s limbs behind their back while lying face down and has raised concerns regarding safety and human rights violations. The report highlighted the combination of the hogtie technique and Abisay’s toxicology results, showing high levels of cocaine in his system, as factors in his demise.
The report also pointed out the lack of leadership during the intervention, with paramedics noting Abisay’s deteriorating condition. The family demanded clarity on why unauthorized techniques were used, especially when the SPVM and the provincial police academy do not teach the hogtie method.
In response to the report, Montreal police stated that they do not instruct officers on the hogtie technique and emphasized the importance of recognizing medical distress and providing prompt medical assistance. The police spokesperson mentioned that actions had been taken regarding the involved officers and supervisors but declined to provide details due to privacy concerns.
The coroner recommended banning the hogtie technique and suggested equipping officers with naloxone kits and body cameras for crisis responses. Despite the Quebec prosecutors’ decision not to press charges against the officers, community organizers and Abisay’s family are calling for further investigations into police conduct and training procedures. Josué Cruz expressed a need for transparency regarding training protocols, techniques used, and accountability in similar cases, linking Abisay’s death to a series of tragic police interventions in the Montreal area.
The family’s quest for answers continues as they seek justice and accountability in the aftermath of Abisay’s tragic demise.
